US20020195156A1 - Apparatus and a method for supplying conditioned air to an aircraft - Google Patents
Apparatus and a method for supplying conditioned air to an aircraft Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20020195156A1 US20020195156A1 US10/230,797 US23079702A US2002195156A1 US 20020195156 A1 US20020195156 A1 US 20020195156A1 US 23079702 A US23079702 A US 23079702A US 2002195156 A1 US2002195156 A1 US 2002195156A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- hose
- housing
- drive unit
- belt
- inner tube
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 230000001143 conditioned effect Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 44
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 34
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 abstract description 8
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 abstract description 8
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 238000000605 extraction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229920002799 BoPET Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000005041 Mylar™ Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229920006362 Teflon® Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003467 diminishing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920006267 polyester film Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920002379 silicone rubber Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004945 silicone rubber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F13/00—Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
- F24F13/02—Ducting arrangements
- F24F13/0218—Flexible soft ducts, e.g. ducts made of permeable textiles
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
- B64F—GROUND OR AIRCRAFT-CARRIER-DECK INSTALLATIONS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR USE IN CONNECTION WITH AIRCRAFT; DESIGNING, MANUFACTURING, ASSEMBLING, CLEANING, MAINTAINING OR REPAIRING AIRCRAFT, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; HANDLING, TRANSPORTING, TESTING OR INSPECTING AIRCRAFT COMPONENTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B64F1/00—Ground or aircraft-carrier-deck installations
- B64F1/30—Ground or aircraft-carrier-deck installations for embarking or disembarking passengers
- B64F1/305—Bridges extending between terminal building and aircraft, e.g. telescopic, vertically adjustable
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
- B64F—GROUND OR AIRCRAFT-CARRIER-DECK INSTALLATIONS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR USE IN CONNECTION WITH AIRCRAFT; DESIGNING, MANUFACTURING, ASSEMBLING, CLEANING, MAINTAINING OR REPAIRING AIRCRAFT, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; HANDLING, TRANSPORTING, TESTING OR INSPECTING AIRCRAFT COMPONENTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B64F1/00—Ground or aircraft-carrier-deck installations
- B64F1/36—Other airport installations
- B64F1/362—Installations for supplying conditioned air to parked aircraft
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F13/00—Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
- F24F13/02—Ducting arrangements
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
- Y10T137/6851—With casing, support, protector or static constructional installations
- Y10T137/6855—Vehicle
- Y10T137/6906—Aerial or water-supported [e.g., airplane or ship, etc.]
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
- Y10T137/6851—With casing, support, protector or static constructional installations
- Y10T137/6918—With hose storage or retrieval means
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
- Y10T137/6851—With casing, support, protector or static constructional installations
- Y10T137/6918—With hose storage or retrieval means
- Y10T137/6932—With retrieval means
Definitions
- the present invention generally relates to a device and a method for supplying conditioned air for heating and cooling to an aircraft. More specifically, the present invention provides a supply hose in a protected container. The container may deliver the required length of hose to the aircraft and retract the hose when the hose is not needed.
- conditioned air is supplied to the aircraft from a jetway.
- the air is delivered with a flexible air hose.
- the supply hose is typically seventy feet in length.
- the supply hose is stored in a bin under the jetway.
- a worker may roll the hose into a wound roll before storing the hose in the bin.
- an individual leaves the hose in a pile in the bin, thereby increasing undue wear of the hose and significantly affecting the performance of the hose when in use.
- U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/799,144 discloses a device and a method for supplying conditioned air for heating and/or cooling to a commercial aircraft or other object
- the apparatus of the present invention has an improved hose and drive belt for improved manipulation of the hose.
- the apparatus of the present invention has a retractor with a linear actuator that may provide for an easier operation for supplying and retracting the hose.
- the present invention generally relates to a device and a method for supplying conditioned air for heating and cooling to an aircraft.
- an apparatus for providing conditioned air from a first environment to a second environment has a housing, a flexible hose, a drive unit attached to t he housing and a linear actuator connected to the drive unit.
- the housing has an interior defined by a first end and a second end.
- the flexible hose is in the interior of the housing.
- the inner tube is within the flexible hose and the inner tube supports the flexible hose.
- the apparatus further has a tube bracket attached to the first end of the housing wherein the tube bracket supports the inner tube.
- the apparatus further has a sensor attached to the inner tube for monitoring air
- the drive unit has a belt and further wherein the belt has grooves that engage the flexible hose.
- the apparatus further has protrusions on the flexible hose wherein the protrusions correspond to grooves on the belt.
- the apparatus further has a motor attached to the drive unit.
- the apparatus further has a hose having protrusions wherein the hose extends between the inner tube and the housing.
- the apparatus further has a finger located between the inner tube and the drive unit wherein the finger guides the hose.
- an apparatus for retracting a hose has a housing having an interior wherein the hose is in the housing, a drive unit on the housing and an actuator on the housing for retracting the drive unit.
- the drive unit has a belt and the belt has a plurality of grooves. Protrusions on the hose correspond to the plurality of grooves of the belt.
- the apparatus further has a guide on the housing for guiding the hose.
- the apparatus further has a motor attached to the housing wherein the motor powers the drive unit.
- a method for supplying conditioned air from a first environment to a second environment comprises the steps of: storing a hose having protrusions in a housing; providing a drive unit on the housing; providing a belt on the drive unit wherein the belt has grooves; engaging the hose with the belt wherein the grooves of the belt correspond to the protrusions of the hose; extracting the hose from the housing with the drive unit; attaching the housing to a source of conditioned air; and attaching the hose to the second environment.
- the method further comprises the step of monitoring air pressure in the hose.
- the method further comprises the step of releasing the hose from the second environment.
- the method further comprises the step of retracting the hose into the housing with the drive unit.
- the method further comprises the step of manually retracting the hose into the housing.
- the method further comprises the step of releasing the hose from the belt of the drive unit.
- the method further comprises the step of releasing the hose from the drive unit by retracting the drive unit with an actuator.
- Another advantage of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a method with a hose in a protected container to reduce undue wear of the hose and maintenance performance of the hose.
- Another advantage of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a method where only the necessary amount of hose may be provided to supply an aircraft with conditioned air.
- an advantage of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a method that increases safety by storing unused portions of the hose in a container instead of spreading the unused hose on the ground.
- Another advantage of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a method for a wheel on the container such that the container and hose may be rotated to different positions and/or locations.
- Another advantage of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a method for positioning the housing with the hose in a vertical or horizontal position.
- Another advantage of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a method for a retractor that retracts the hose into or out from the housing.
- Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a method for a linear actuator that retracts drive units to allow for manual manipulation of the hose.
- an advantage of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a method for a belt having grooves equally spaced to fit around the ribs of the hose.
- an advantage of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a method for a belt having grooves equally spaced to fit around protrusions of the hose.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a device for supplying conditioned air to an aircraft.
- FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a retractor in an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of a drive unit in an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of a belt and hose in an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a device for retracting a hose and/or supplying conditioned air taken generally along line V-V of FIG. 6.
- FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a retractor taken generally along line VI-VI of FIG. 5 in an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of a drive unit in an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of a belt and hose in an embodiment of the present invention.
- the present invention generally relates to an apparatus and a method for retracting a hose and/or supplying conditioned air. More specifically, the present invention provides a supply hose in a protected container a retractor, and a linear actuator.
- the container may deliver the required length of hose for supplying conditioned air via drive units of the retractor.
- the drive units of the retractor may engage the hose and pull the hose from the container.
- the retractor may also retract the hose into the container when the hose is not needed.
- the linear actuator may release the drive units from the hose for manual extraction and/or retraction of the hose.
- FIG. 1 generally illustrates a device 100 for supplying conditioned air to an aircraft.
- the device 100 may have an inner tube 102 within a housing 104 , a flexible hose 106 and a retractor 114 .
- the inner tube 102 may be constructed of metal, mylar, or any other like material that provides a smooth surface and sufficient strength to support a flexible hose 106 .
- the housing 104 may have a first end 108 and a second end 116 .
- the housing 104 may be cylindrical in shape and constructed of sheet metal, plastic or the like.
- the housing 104 may be supported by a base 110 at the first end 108 and by a tire 112 at a point near the second end 116 .
- the flexible hose 106 is preferably seventy feet in length and may be stored within the housing 104 and surrounding the inner tube 102 .
- the inner tube 102 may provide support for the flexible hose 106 and the inner tube 102 may supply conditioned air to the flexible hose 106 from a source, such as, for example, a jetway.
- the flexible hose 106 is generally known in the industry, such as a hose constructed by Flexfab®.
- a coil 107 may be integrally formed with the flexible hose 106 such that the flexible hose 106 may be compressed and/or expanded much like a spring may be compressed and/or expanded (as shown in FIG. 4).
- the flexible hose 106 may be compressed, for example, up to 1 ⁇ 6 of its length when the hose 106 is stored entirely in the device 100 .
- the first end 108 of the housing 104 may be attached to the base 110 .
- the inner tube 102 may extend a distance “X” past the first end 108 of the housing 104 .
- a starting end 109 of the flexible hose 106 may be located at the first end 108 of the housing 104 .
- the starting end 109 of the flexible hose 106 may be located at the second end 116 of the housing 104 .
- the inner tube 102 may receive conditioned air, for example, from a source, such as, for example, a jetway (not shown).
- the inner tube 102 may be mounted directly to the source or may be connected to a relief hose 118 or other apparatus that delivers conditioned air from the source to the inner tube 102 .
- the device 100 may be used in a horizontal position, or may be rotated to a vertical position and mounted to the source. Additionally, when in the horizontal position, the device 100 may be movable via the tire 112 such that the second end 116 may rotate about the first end 108 of the device 100 .
- the retractor 114 may be attached to the second end 116 of the housing 104 and will be described in detail hereinafter.
- FIG. 2 a cross-sectional view of the retractor 114 is shown taken along lines II-II of FIG. 1.
- the retractor 114 may have four drive units 122 placed around the inner tube 102 .
- the drive units 122 are identical.
- Fingers 132 may be located between the inner tube 102 and the flexible hose 106 .
- the flexible hose 106 may be located between the fingers 132 and the drive units 122 .
- the drive units 122 may have a belt 124 .
- the belt 124 is constructed of rubber.
- the belt 124 may cover several cog rollers 126 .
- One or all of the drive units 122 may be powered by a motor (not shown).
- Four adjustable springs 130 two on each side of the belt 124 , may be used to provide tension on the belt 124 .
- Additional rollers 136 or preferably, a plate 138 , may be located between two cog rollers 126 .
- the belt 124 may cover the cog rollers 126 , and the plate 138 may cover the belt 124 .
- the plate 138 may have a groove 140 in which the belt 124 may be covered.
- the belt 124 When in motion, the belt 124 may move in the groove 140 .
- the plate 138 may serve to maintain the belt 124 in place.
- the drive units 122 may apply pressure to the flexible hose 106 .
- the flexible hose 106 may be located between the belt 124 in the groove 140 of the plate 138 of the drive unit 122 and the fingers 132 .
- the fingers 132 may be located on the inner tube 102 and may extend from the second end of the inner tube 102 to a point outside of the retractor 114 .
- the fingers 132 may be constructed of, for example, Teflon®, plastic, steel, or any like smooth material.
- the fingers 132 may guide the flexible hose 106 and may keep the flexible hose 106 from kinking.
- the fingers 132 may preferably be used when the device 100 is in a horizontal position and may not be necessary if the device 100 is implemented in a vertical position.
- the cog rollers 126 may propel the belt 124 .
- the motor (not shown) may be hydraulic, electric, pneumatic or the like.
- the drive units 122 may be powered by a single motor, or each drive unit 122 may be powered by a motor.
- the rotation of the belt 124 may propel the flexible hose 106 between the belt 124 and the fingers 132 onto the inner tube 102 of the device 100 . Reversing the direction of the belt 124 may slide the flexible hose 106 out of the device 100 .
- the device 100 may have a handle (not shown) that may release the pressure of the drive units 122 from the flexible hose 106 and may allow a person to manually pull the flexible hose 106 from the device 100 .
- the flexible hose 106 may be integrally formed with a coil 107 to help support the flexible hose 106 .
- the belt 124 may be manufactured with grooves 125 that may catch the coil 107 of the flexible hose 106 to allow for an easier pull of the flexible hose 106 through the retractor 114 .
- the grooves 125 are evenly spaced at a distance between adjacent grooves 125 to correspond to the coil 107 of the flexible hose 106 .
- An embodiment of the present invention may also incorporate the steps of a method for supplying conditioned air for heating and cooling to an aircraft.
- the flexible hose 106 may be pulled via a retractor 114 from the inner tube 102 and the housing 104 .
- the flexible hose 106 may be pulled from the inner tub 102 and the housing 104 manually.
- a handle (not shown)
- a person may release the tension applied by the retractor 114 on the flexible hose 106 and then may manually pull the flexible hose 106 from the device 100 .
- the device 100 may be designed to accept the flexible hose 106 for storage between the inner tube 102 and the housing 104 by use of the retractor 114 .
- the flexible hose 106 may be pulled from the device 100 to extend to its full length or a smaller length, whichever may be needed.
- the necessary length may be dependent on where a connector (not shown) on an aircraft (not shown) may be located and/or the distance of the aircraft form the source of conditioned air, such as a jetway. Some aircraft require seventy feet of flexible hose 106 while other aircraft require only twenty feet of flexible hose 106 for the source of conditioned air to reach the aircraft. Extracting only the necessary amount of the flexible hose 106 eliminates excess flexible hose 106 on the runway where the flexible hose 106 may bend. Bending of the flexible hose 106 affects the pressure of the conditioned air and/or subjects the flexible hose 106 to additional unnecessary wear and tear.
- the unattached end of the flexible hose 106 may be attached to the connector of the aircraft.
- the inner tube 102 that extends to a point beyond the first end 108 of the housing 104 of the device 100 may be attached to a relief hose 118 , or alternatively, may be mounted directly to the source (not shown).
- conditioned air may then be supplied to the device 100 .
- Conditioned air may be supplied to the inner tube 102 of the device 100 by either the relief hose 118 attached to the source or directly by the source.
- the conditioned air may be forced through the inner tube 102 towards the second end 116 of the housing 104 .
- the conditioned air may reach the flexible hose 106 .
- the conditioned air may continue to travel through the flexible hose 106 to the aircraft.
- the flexible hose 106 may be removed from the aircraft and may be retracted into the device 100 for storage and/or subsequent use of the device 100 .
- the apparatus 500 may have an inner tube 502 within a housing 504 , a flexible hose 506 , a retractor 514 and a linear actuator 513 .
- the inner tube 502 may be constructed of metal, polyester film, or any other like material that provides sufficient strength to support a flexible hose 506 .
- the housing 504 may have a first end 508 and a second end 516 .
- the housing 504 may be cylindrical in shape and constructed of sheet metal, plastic or the like.
- the inner tube 502 may support the flexible tube 502 inside the housing 504 .
- the retractor 514 may have a drive unit 522 wherein the drive unit 522 may engage the flexible tube 506 and pull the flexible tube from the housing 504 .
- the linear actuator 513 may pneumatically or hydraulically release the drive unit 522 from the flexible hose 506 .
- the flexible hose 506 may be stored within the housing 504 and surrounding the inner tube 502 .
- the inner tube 502 may provide support for the flexible hose 506 and the inner tube 502 may supply conditioned air to the flexible hose 506 from a source, such as, for example, a jetway.
- the flexible hose 506 may be made from a high pressure silicone rubber tubing or any other material generally known in the industry, such as a hose constructed by Flexfab®.
- the inner tube 502 may be connected to a relief hose 518 or other source of conditioned air, at the first end 108 of the housing 104 by a tube support bracket 531 .
- the inner tube 502 may receive conditioned air, for example, from a source, such as, for example, a jetway (not shown).
- the inner tube 502 may be mounted directly to the source or may be connected to another apparatus that may deliver conditioned air from the source to the inner tube 502 .
- the retractor 514 and the linear actuator 513 may be attached to the second end 516 of the housing 504 and will be described in detail hereinafter.
- FIG. 6 a cross-sectional view of the retractor 514 is generally shown taken along lines VI-VI of FIG. 5.
- the retractor 514 may have more than one drive unit 522 placed on the inner tube 502 .
- Each additional drive unit 522 may located on the apparatus 500 equally spaced from one another.
- Fingers 532 may be located between the inner tube 502 and the flexible hose 506 .
- the flexible hose 506 may be located between the fingers 532 and the drive unit 522 .
- the linear actuator 513 is located on a drive support bracket 515 and may retract the drive unit 522 .
- the linear actuator 53 may retract the drive unit 522 by moving the drive unit 522 in a direction away from the flexible hose 506 such that the flexible hose 506 is disengaged from the drive unit 522 .
- One linear actuator 513 may be used for each of the four drive unit 522 .
- one linear actuator 513 may be connected to all drive unit 522 such that the one linear actuator 513 may be used for all of the four drive units 522 .
- the drive unit 522 may have a belt 524 .
- the belt 524 may be constructed from rubber.
- a slide 538 may be located between two cog rollers 526 .
- the belt 524 may have grooves 527 hat fit into teeth 509 integrally formed with the cog rollers 526 .
- a slide 538 between two of the cog rollers 526 may guide the belt 524 .
- the slide 538 may serve to maintain the belt 524 in place.
- the belt 524 of the drive unit 522 may apply pressure to the flexible hose 506 .
- the flexible hose 506 may be located between the belt 524 of the drive unit 522 and the fingers 532 .
- the cog rollers 526 may be powered by a motor 525 of the drive unit 522 and may turn the cog rollers 526 which in turn may rotate the belt 524 as shown in FIG. 5.
- the rotation of the belt 524 may propel the flexible hose 506 between the belt 524 and fingers 132 onto the inner tube 502 of the apparatus 500 . Reversing the direction of the belt 524 may slide the flexible hose 506 back onto the inner tube 502 of the apparatus 500 .
- the linear actuator 503 may retract the drive unit 522 .
- the retracted drive unit 522 may disengage the flexible hose 506 for manual extraction of the flexible hose 506 .
- the drive unit 522 may be powered by a motor 525 as shown in FIG. 5.
- the flexible hose 506 may be integrally formed with protrusions 507 .
- the belt 524 may be manufactured with grooves 527 .
- the grooves 527 are spaced at a distance between adjacent grooves 527 to correspond to the protrusions 507 of the flexible hose 506 . Accordingly the grooves 527 of the belt 524 may catch the protrusions 507 of the flexible hose 506 .
- the grooves 527 on the belt 524 and the protrusions 507 on the hose 506 may allow for an easier pull of the flexible hose 506 through the retractor 514 .
- the flexible hose 506 may be pulled via the drive unit 522 of the retractor 514 from the inner tube 502 and the housing 504 .
- the linear actuator 513 may retract the drive unit 522 and the flexible hose 506 may be manually pulled from the inner tub 502 and the housing 504 .
- the unattached end of the flexible hose 506 may be attached to the aircraft or other object for receiving conditioned air.
- the flexible hose 506 may be removed from the aircraft and may be retracted into the apparatus 500 for storage and/or subsequent use of the apparatus 500 .
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
- Textile Engineering (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Rigid Pipes And Flexible Pipes (AREA)
- Duct Arrangements (AREA)
Abstract
The present invention generally relates to a device and a method for supplying conditioned air for heating and/or cooling from a first environment to a second environment. More specifically, the present invention provides a hose in a container and a retractor. The retractor may have a drive unit with a belt. Protrusions on the hose may correspond with grooves on the belt. The belt of the drive unit may engage the hose and pull the hose from the container. In addition, the drive unit may also retract the hose into the container when the hose is not needed. Further, a linear actuator may release the retractor from the hose allowing the hose to be pulled manually from the container.
Description
- This application is a Continuation-In-Part Application of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/799,144 filed on Mar. 5, 2001.
- The present invention generally relates to a device and a method for supplying conditioned air for heating and cooling to an aircraft. More specifically, the present invention provides a supply hose in a protected container. The container may deliver the required length of hose to the aircraft and retract the hose when the hose is not needed.
- It is, of course, generally known to supply commercial aircraft with conditioned air for heating and cooling. Typically, conditioned air is supplied to the aircraft from a jetway. The air is delivered with a flexible air hose. The supply hose is typically seventy feet in length. When not in use, the supply hose is stored in a bin under the jetway. Occasionally, when time permits, a worker may roll the hose into a wound roll before storing the hose in the bin. Often, an individual leaves the hose in a pile in the bin, thereby increasing undue wear of the hose and significantly affecting the performance of the hose when in use.
- In addition, while all aircraft have a standard connector, this connector is not located at the same point on all aircraft. Further, the jetway is not always located at the same distance from the aircraft. Some aircraft require seventy feet of supply hose for the conditioned air to reach the aircraft from the jetway while others may only require twenty feet. All seventy feet of the supply hose must be removed from the bin regardless of how much hose is required. Whenever less than seventy feet of the hose is required, the hose may be bent and kinked between the jetway and aircraft. A bent hose and/or kinked hose causes a reduction in airflow to the aircraft which, in turn, reduces the efficiency of the heating or cooling. In some cases, the aircraft cannot be adequately heated or cooled using air supplied by the jetway. Additionally, spreading the supply hose on the ramp causes safety problems and undue wear.
- A need, therefore, exists for a device and a method for supplying conditioned air for heating and/or cooling to a commercial aircraft that may supply a hose of the appropriate length and that may retract the hose when the hose is no longer needed.
- Further, while U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/799,144 discloses a device and a method for supplying conditioned air for heating and/or cooling to a commercial aircraft or other object, the apparatus of the present invention has an improved hose and drive belt for improved manipulation of the hose. Further, the apparatus of the present invention has a retractor with a linear actuator that may provide for an easier operation for supplying and retracting the hose.
- The present invention generally relates to a device and a method for supplying conditioned air for heating and cooling to an aircraft.
- To this end, in an embodiment, an apparatus for providing conditioned air from a first environment to a second environment is provided. The apparatus has a housing, a flexible hose, a drive unit attached to t he housing and a linear actuator connected to the drive unit. The housing has an interior defined by a first end and a second end. The flexible hose is in the interior of the housing. The inner tube is within the flexible hose and the inner tube supports the flexible hose.
- In another embodiment, the apparatus further has a tube bracket attached to the first end of the housing wherein the tube bracket supports the inner tube.
- In another embodiment, the apparatus further has a sensor attached to the inner tube for monitoring air
- In another embodiment, the drive unit has a belt and further wherein the belt has grooves that engage the flexible hose.
- In another embodiment, the apparatus further has protrusions on the flexible hose wherein the protrusions correspond to grooves on the belt.
- In another embodiment, the apparatus further has a motor attached to the drive unit.
- In another embodiment, the apparatus further has a hose having protrusions wherein the hose extends between the inner tube and the housing.
- In another embodiment, the apparatus further has a finger located between the inner tube and the drive unit wherein the finger guides the hose.
- Moreover, in another embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for retracting a hose is provided. The apparatus has a housing having an interior wherein the hose is in the housing, a drive unit on the housing and an actuator on the housing for retracting the drive unit. The drive unit has a belt and the belt has a plurality of grooves. Protrusions on the hose correspond to the plurality of grooves of the belt.
- In another embodiment, the apparatus further has a guide on the housing for guiding the hose.
- In another embodiment, the apparatus further has a motor attached to the housing wherein the motor powers the drive unit.
- Moreover, in another embodiment of the present invention, a method for supplying conditioned air from a first environment to a second environment is provided. The method comprises the steps of: storing a hose having protrusions in a housing; providing a drive unit on the housing; providing a belt on the drive unit wherein the belt has grooves; engaging the hose with the belt wherein the grooves of the belt correspond to the protrusions of the hose; extracting the hose from the housing with the drive unit; attaching the housing to a source of conditioned air; and attaching the hose to the second environment.
- In another embodiment, the method further comprises the step of monitoring air pressure in the hose.
- In another embodiment, the method further comprises the step of releasing the hose from the second environment.
- In another embodiment, the method further comprises the step of retracting the hose into the housing with the drive unit.
- In another embodiment, the method further comprises the step of manually retracting the hose into the housing.
- In another embodiment, the method further comprises the step of releasing the hose from the belt of the drive unit.
- In another embodiment, the method further comprises the step of releasing the hose from the drive unit by retracting the drive unit with an actuator.
- It is, therefore, an advantage of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for supplying conditioned air to an aircraft with a hose in a protected container.
- Another advantage of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a method with a hose in a protected container to reduce undue wear of the hose and maintenance performance of the hose.
- Another advantage of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a method where only the necessary amount of hose may be provided to supply an aircraft with conditioned air.
- Still further, an advantage of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a method that increases safety by storing unused portions of the hose in a container instead of spreading the unused hose on the ground.
- Another advantage of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a method for a wheel on the container such that the container and hose may be rotated to different positions and/or locations.
- Another advantage of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a method for positioning the housing with the hose in a vertical or horizontal position.
- Another advantage of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a method for a retractor that retracts the hose into or out from the housing.
- Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a method for a linear actuator that retracts drive units to allow for manual manipulation of the hose.
- Further, an advantage of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a method for a belt having grooves equally spaced to fit around the ribs of the hose.
- Still further, an advantage of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a method for a belt having grooves equally spaced to fit around protrusions of the hose.
- Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, and will be apparent from, the detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments and from the drawings.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a device for supplying conditioned air to an aircraft.
- FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a retractor in an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of a drive unit in an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of a belt and hose in an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a device for retracting a hose and/or supplying conditioned air taken generally along line V-V of FIG. 6.
- FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a retractor taken generally along line VI-VI of FIG. 5 in an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of a drive unit in an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of a belt and hose in an embodiment of the present invention.
- The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and a method for retracting a hose and/or supplying conditioned air. More specifically, the present invention provides a supply hose in a protected container a retractor, and a linear actuator. The container may deliver the required length of hose for supplying conditioned air via drive units of the retractor. The drive units of the retractor may engage the hose and pull the hose from the container. In addition, the retractor may also retract the hose into the container when the hose is not needed. Further, the linear actuator may release the drive units from the hose for manual extraction and/or retraction of the hose.
- Referring now to the drawings wherein like numerals refer to like parts, FIG. 1 generally illustrates a
device 100 for supplying conditioned air to an aircraft. Thedevice 100 may have aninner tube 102 within ahousing 104, aflexible hose 106 and aretractor 114. Theinner tube 102 may be constructed of metal, mylar, or any other like material that provides a smooth surface and sufficient strength to support aflexible hose 106. Thehousing 104 may have afirst end 108 and asecond end 116. Thehousing 104 may be cylindrical in shape and constructed of sheet metal, plastic or the like. Thehousing 104 may be supported by a base 110 at thefirst end 108 and by atire 112 at a point near thesecond end 116. - The
flexible hose 106 is preferably seventy feet in length and may be stored within thehousing 104 and surrounding theinner tube 102. Theinner tube 102 may provide support for theflexible hose 106 and theinner tube 102 may supply conditioned air to theflexible hose 106 from a source, such as, for example, a jetway. Theflexible hose 106 is generally known in the industry, such as a hose constructed by Flexfab®. Acoil 107 may be integrally formed with theflexible hose 106 such that theflexible hose 106 may be compressed and/or expanded much like a spring may be compressed and/or expanded (as shown in FIG. 4). Theflexible hose 106 may be compressed, for example, up to ⅙ of its length when thehose 106 is stored entirely in thedevice 100. - The
first end 108 of thehousing 104 may be attached to thebase 110. Theinner tube 102 may extend a distance “X” past thefirst end 108 of thehousing 104. A startingend 109 of theflexible hose 106 may be located at thefirst end 108 of thehousing 104. Alternatively, the startingend 109 of theflexible hose 106 may be located at thesecond end 116 of thehousing 104. - The
inner tube 102 may receive conditioned air, for example, from a source, such as, for example, a jetway (not shown). Theinner tube 102 may be mounted directly to the source or may be connected to arelief hose 118 or other apparatus that delivers conditioned air from the source to theinner tube 102. Thedevice 100 may be used in a horizontal position, or may be rotated to a vertical position and mounted to the source. Additionally, when in the horizontal position, thedevice 100 may be movable via thetire 112 such that thesecond end 116 may rotate about thefirst end 108 of thedevice 100. Theretractor 114 may be attached to thesecond end 116 of thehousing 104 and will be described in detail hereinafter. - Referring now to FIG. 2, a cross-sectional view of the
retractor 114 is shown taken along lines II-II of FIG. 1. Theretractor 114 may have fourdrive units 122 placed around theinner tube 102. Preferably, thedrive units 122 are identical.Fingers 132 may be located between theinner tube 102 and theflexible hose 106. Further, theflexible hose 106 may be located between thefingers 132 and thedrive units 122. - The
drive units 122, as shown in FIG. 3, may have abelt 124. Preferably, thebelt 124, is constructed of rubber. Thebelt 124 may coverseveral cog rollers 126. One or all of thedrive units 122 may be powered by a motor (not shown). Fouradjustable springs 130, two on each side of thebelt 124, may be used to provide tension on thebelt 124. Additional rollers 136, or preferably, aplate 138, may be located between twocog rollers 126. Thebelt 124 may cover thecog rollers 126, and theplate 138 may cover thebelt 124. Theplate 138 may have agroove 140 in which thebelt 124 may be covered. When in motion, thebelt 124 may move in thegroove 140. Theplate 138 may serve to maintain thebelt 124 in place. Thedrive units 122 may apply pressure to theflexible hose 106. Theflexible hose 106 may be located between thebelt 124 in thegroove 140 of theplate 138 of thedrive unit 122 and thefingers 132. - Referring again to FIG. 2, the
fingers 132 may be located on theinner tube 102 and may extend from the second end of theinner tube 102 to a point outside of theretractor 114. Thefingers 132 may be constructed of, for example, Teflon®, plastic, steel, or any like smooth material. Thefingers 132 may guide theflexible hose 106 and may keep theflexible hose 106 from kinking. Thefingers 132 may preferably be used when thedevice 100 is in a horizontal position and may not be necessary if thedevice 100 is implemented in a vertical position. - The
cog rollers 126, powered by the motor of thedrive unit 122, may propel thebelt 124. The motor (not shown) may be hydraulic, electric, pneumatic or the like. Moreover, thedrive units 122 may be powered by a single motor, or eachdrive unit 122 may be powered by a motor. The rotation of thebelt 124 may propel theflexible hose 106 between thebelt 124 and thefingers 132 onto theinner tube 102 of thedevice 100. Reversing the direction of thebelt 124 may slide theflexible hose 106 out of thedevice 100. In addition, thedevice 100 may have a handle (not shown) that may release the pressure of thedrive units 122 from theflexible hose 106 and may allow a person to manually pull theflexible hose 106 from thedevice 100. - Referring to FIG. 4, the
flexible hose 106 may be integrally formed with acoil 107 to help support theflexible hose 106. Accordingly, thebelt 124 may be manufactured withgrooves 125 that may catch thecoil 107 of theflexible hose 106 to allow for an easier pull of theflexible hose 106 through theretractor 114. Preferably, thegrooves 125 are evenly spaced at a distance betweenadjacent grooves 125 to correspond to thecoil 107 of theflexible hose 106. - An embodiment of the present invention may also incorporate the steps of a method for supplying conditioned air for heating and cooling to an aircraft. The
flexible hose 106 may be pulled via aretractor 114 from theinner tube 102 and thehousing 104. Alternatively, theflexible hose 106 may be pulled from theinner tub 102 and thehousing 104 manually. By using a handle (not shown), a person may release the tension applied by theretractor 114 on theflexible hose 106 and then may manually pull theflexible hose 106 from thedevice 100. However, thedevice 100 may be designed to accept theflexible hose 106 for storage between theinner tube 102 and thehousing 104 by use of theretractor 114. - The
flexible hose 106 may be pulled from thedevice 100 to extend to its full length or a smaller length, whichever may be needed. The necessary length may be dependent on where a connector (not shown) on an aircraft (not shown) may be located and/or the distance of the aircraft form the source of conditioned air, such as a jetway. Some aircraft require seventy feet offlexible hose 106 while other aircraft require only twenty feet offlexible hose 106 for the source of conditioned air to reach the aircraft. Extracting only the necessary amount of theflexible hose 106 eliminates excessflexible hose 106 on the runway where theflexible hose 106 may bend. Bending of theflexible hose 106 affects the pressure of the conditioned air and/or subjects theflexible hose 106 to additional unnecessary wear and tear. - After the necessary amount of the
flexible hose 106 is removed from thedevice 100, the unattached end of theflexible hose 106 may be attached to the connector of the aircraft. Theinner tube 102 that extends to a point beyond thefirst end 108 of thehousing 104 of thedevice 100 may be attached to arelief hose 118, or alternatively, may be mounted directly to the source (not shown). - After the
flexible hose 106 is attached to the aircraft, and thedevice 100 is attached to the source of conditioned air, such as a jetway, (either directly or by a relief hose 118), conditioned air may then be supplied to thedevice 100. Conditioned air may be supplied to theinner tube 102 of thedevice 100 by either therelief hose 118 attached to the source or directly by the source. The conditioned air may be forced through theinner tube 102 towards thesecond end 116 of thehousing 104. - After the conditioned air travels the length of the
inner tube 102, the conditioned air may reach theflexible hose 106. The conditioned air may continue to travel through theflexible hose 106 to the aircraft. After the aircraft is supplied with the necessary amount of conditioned air, theflexible hose 106 may be removed from the aircraft and may be retracted into thedevice 100 for storage and/or subsequent use of thedevice 100. - Referring now to FIG. 5, in another embodiment of the present invention, an
apparatus 500 for supplying conditioned air to an aircraft is illustrated. Theapparatus 500 may have aninner tube 502 within ahousing 504, aflexible hose 506, aretractor 514 and alinear actuator 513. Theinner tube 502 may be constructed of metal, polyester film, or any other like material that provides sufficient strength to support aflexible hose 506. Thehousing 504 may have afirst end 508 and asecond end 516. Thehousing 504 may be cylindrical in shape and constructed of sheet metal, plastic or the like. Theinner tube 502 may support theflexible tube 502 inside thehousing 504. Theretractor 514 may have adrive unit 522 wherein thedrive unit 522 may engage theflexible tube 506 and pull the flexible tube from thehousing 504. Thelinear actuator 513 may pneumatically or hydraulically release thedrive unit 522 from theflexible hose 506. - The
flexible hose 506 may be stored within thehousing 504 and surrounding theinner tube 502. Theinner tube 502 may provide support for theflexible hose 506 and theinner tube 502 may supply conditioned air to theflexible hose 506 from a source, such as, for example, a jetway. Theflexible hose 506 may be made from a high pressure silicone rubber tubing or any other material generally known in the industry, such as a hose constructed by Flexfab®. Theinner tube 502 may be connected to arelief hose 518 or other source of conditioned air, at thefirst end 108 of thehousing 104 by atube support bracket 531. - The
inner tube 502 may receive conditioned air, for example, from a source, such as, for example, a jetway (not shown). Theinner tube 502 may be mounted directly to the source or may be connected to another apparatus that may deliver conditioned air from the source to theinner tube 502. Theretractor 514 and thelinear actuator 513 may be attached to thesecond end 516 of thehousing 504 and will be described in detail hereinafter. - Referring now to FIG. 6, a cross-sectional view of the
retractor 514 is generally shown taken along lines VI-VI of FIG. 5. Theretractor 514 may have more than onedrive unit 522 placed on theinner tube 502. Eachadditional drive unit 522 may located on theapparatus 500 equally spaced from one another.Fingers 532 may be located between theinner tube 502 and theflexible hose 506. Further, theflexible hose 506 may be located between thefingers 532 and thedrive unit 522. Thelinear actuator 513 is located on adrive support bracket 515 and may retract thedrive unit 522. The linear actuator 53 may retract thedrive unit 522 by moving thedrive unit 522 in a direction away from theflexible hose 506 such that theflexible hose 506 is disengaged from thedrive unit 522. Onelinear actuator 513 may be used for each of the fourdrive unit 522. Alternatively, onelinear actuator 513 may be connected to all driveunit 522 such that the onelinear actuator 513 may be used for all of the fourdrive units 522. - Referring to FIG. 7, the
drive unit 522 may have abelt 524. Preferably, thebelt 524 may be constructed from rubber. Aslide 538, may be located between twocog rollers 526. Thebelt 524 may havegrooves 527 hat fit intoteeth 509 integrally formed with thecog rollers 526. Aslide 538 between two of thecog rollers 526, may guide thebelt 524. Theslide 538 may serve to maintain thebelt 524 in place. Thebelt 524 of thedrive unit 522 may apply pressure to theflexible hose 506. Theflexible hose 506 may be located between thebelt 524 of thedrive unit 522 and thefingers 532. - The
cog rollers 526 may be powered by amotor 525 of thedrive unit 522 and may turn thecog rollers 526 which in turn may rotate thebelt 524 as shown in FIG. 5. The rotation of thebelt 524 may propel theflexible hose 506 between thebelt 524 andfingers 132 onto theinner tube 502 of theapparatus 500. Reversing the direction of thebelt 524 may slide theflexible hose 506 back onto theinner tube 502 of theapparatus 500. In addition, thelinear actuator 503 may retract thedrive unit 522. The retracteddrive unit 522 may disengage theflexible hose 506 for manual extraction of theflexible hose 506. Thedrive unit 522 may be powered by amotor 525 as shown in FIG. 5. - Referring to FIG. 8, the
flexible hose 506 may be integrally formed withprotrusions 507. Thebelt 524 may be manufactured withgrooves 527. Thegrooves 527 are spaced at a distance betweenadjacent grooves 527 to correspond to theprotrusions 507 of theflexible hose 506. Accordingly thegrooves 527 of thebelt 524 may catch theprotrusions 507 of theflexible hose 506. Thegrooves 527 on thebelt 524 and theprotrusions 507 on thehose 506 may allow for an easier pull of theflexible hose 506 through theretractor 514. - To use the
apparatus 500, theflexible hose 506 may be pulled via thedrive unit 522 of theretractor 514 from theinner tube 502 and thehousing 504. Alternatively, thelinear actuator 513 may retract thedrive unit 522 and theflexible hose 506 may be manually pulled from theinner tub 502 and thehousing 504. After a desired length of theflexible hose 506 is removed from theapparatus 500, the unattached end of theflexible hose 506 may be attached to the aircraft or other object for receiving conditioned air. After the aircraft is supplied with the necessary amount of conditioned air, theflexible hose 506 may be removed from the aircraft and may be retracted into theapparatus 500 for storage and/or subsequent use of theapparatus 500. - It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is, therefore, intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.
Claims (18)
1. An apparatus for providing conditioned air from a first environment to a second environment, the apparatus comprising:
a housing defining an interior wherein the housing has a first end and a second end;
a flexible hose within the interior of the housing;
an inner tube in the housing wherein the inner tube is within the flexible hose and further wherein the inner tube supports the flexible hose;
a drive unit attached to the housing; and
a linear actuator connected to the drive unit.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:
a tube bracket attached to the first end of the housing wherein the tube bracket supports the inner tube.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:
a sensor attached to the inner tube for monitoring air pressure in the inner tube.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the drive unit has a belt and further wherein the belt has grooves that engage the flexible hose.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 further comprising:
protrusions on the flexible hose wherein the protrusions correspond to grooves on the belt.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:
a motor attached to the drive unit.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:
a hose having protrusions wherein the hose extends between the inner tube and the housing.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:
a finger located between the inner tube and the drive unit wherein the finger guides the hose.
9. An apparatus for retracting a hose, the apparatus comprising:
a housing having an interior wherein the hose is in the housing;
a drive unit on the housing wherein the drive unit has a belt and further wherein the belt has a plurality of grooves;
protrusions on the hose wherein the protrusions correspond to the plurality of grooves of the belt; and
an actuator on the housing for retracting the drive unit.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 further comprising:
a guide on the housing for guiding the hose.
11. The apparatus of claim 9 further comprising:
a motor attached to the housing wherein the motor powers the drive unit.
12. A method for supplying conditioned air from a first environment to a second environment, the method comprising the steps of:
storing a hose having protrusions in a housing;
providing a drive unit on the housing;
providing a belt on the drive unit wherein the belt has grooves;
engaging the hose with the belt wherein the grooves of the belt correspond to the protrusions of the hose;
extracting the hose from the housing with the drive unit; and
attaching the housing to a source of conditioned air;
attaching the hose to the second environment.
13. The method of claim 12 further comprising the step of monitoring air pressure in the hose.
14. The method of claim 12 further comprising the step of:
releasing the hose from the second environment.
15. The method of claim 12 further comprising the step of:
retracting the hose into the housing with the drive unit.
16. The method of claim 12 further comprising the step of:
manually retracting the hose into the housing.
17. The method of claim 12 further comprising the step of:
releasing the hose from the belt of the drive unit.
18. The method of claim 12 further comprising the step of:
releasing the hose from the drive unit by retracting the drive unit with an actuator.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US10/230,797 US6776705B2 (en) | 2001-03-05 | 2002-08-29 | Apparatus and a method for supplying conditioned air to an aircraft |
US10/841,669 US20040209565A1 (en) | 2001-03-05 | 2004-05-10 | Apparatus and a method for supplying conditioned air to an aircraft |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US09/799,144 US6821201B2 (en) | 2001-03-05 | 2001-03-05 | Device and a method for supplying conditioned air to an aircraft |
US10/230,797 US6776705B2 (en) | 2001-03-05 | 2002-08-29 | Apparatus and a method for supplying conditioned air to an aircraft |
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US09/799,144 Continuation-In-Part US6821201B2 (en) | 2001-03-05 | 2001-03-05 | Device and a method for supplying conditioned air to an aircraft |
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US10/841,669 Division US20040209565A1 (en) | 2001-03-05 | 2004-05-10 | Apparatus and a method for supplying conditioned air to an aircraft |
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US10/230,797 Expired - Lifetime US6776705B2 (en) | 2001-03-05 | 2002-08-29 | Apparatus and a method for supplying conditioned air to an aircraft |
US10/601,103 Expired - Lifetime US6834668B2 (en) | 2001-03-05 | 2003-11-17 | Device and a method for supplying conditioned air to an aircraft |
US10/841,669 Abandoned US20040209565A1 (en) | 2001-03-05 | 2004-05-10 | Apparatus and a method for supplying conditioned air to an aircraft |
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US09/799,144 Expired - Lifetime US6821201B2 (en) | 2001-03-05 | 2001-03-05 | Device and a method for supplying conditioned air to an aircraft |
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US10/601,103 Expired - Lifetime US6834668B2 (en) | 2001-03-05 | 2003-11-17 | Device and a method for supplying conditioned air to an aircraft |
US10/841,669 Abandoned US20040209565A1 (en) | 2001-03-05 | 2004-05-10 | Apparatus and a method for supplying conditioned air to an aircraft |
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- 2001-03-05 US US09/799,144 patent/US6821201B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
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- 2002-02-21 GB GB0204041A patent/GB2375166B/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2002-03-05 ES ES200200530A patent/ES2238106B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2002-08-29 US US10/230,797 patent/US6776705B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
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Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP2727842B1 (en) | 2008-02-02 | 2017-05-03 | Twist Inc. | Hose management system for supplying conditioned air to an aircraft |
EP3385172A1 (en) | 2017-04-05 | 2018-10-10 | Thyssenkrupp Airport Systems, S.A. | Device for providing conditioned air to an aircraft |
WO2018184872A1 (en) | 2017-04-05 | 2018-10-11 | Thyssenkrupp Airport Systems, S.A. | Device for providing conditioned air to an aircraft |
CN108569417A (en) * | 2017-10-27 | 2018-09-25 | 中国国际海运集装箱(集团)股份有限公司 | Channel anti-pinch device |
EP3766788A1 (en) | 2019-07-17 | 2021-01-20 | thyssenkrupp Airport Solutions, S.A. | A device adapted to provide a fluid or energy to an aircraft |
WO2021008753A1 (en) | 2019-07-17 | 2021-01-21 | thyssenkrupp Airport Solutions, S.A. | A device adapted to provide a fluid or energy to an aircraft |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US6776705B2 (en) | 2004-08-17 |
GB0204041D0 (en) | 2002-04-03 |
US6834668B2 (en) | 2004-12-28 |
ES2238106A1 (en) | 2005-08-16 |
GB2375166B (en) | 2003-11-26 |
GB2375166A (en) | 2002-11-06 |
US20040063395A1 (en) | 2004-04-01 |
US20040209565A1 (en) | 2004-10-21 |
US20020121308A1 (en) | 2002-09-05 |
ES2238106B1 (en) | 2006-11-01 |
US6821201B2 (en) | 2004-11-23 |
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